Spain bounced back from their opening draw against Cape Verde with a commanding 4-0 victory over Saudi Arabia in Atlanta on Sunday, taking a significant step toward the last 32 of the 2026 World Cup.
The European champions wasted no time, finding their rhythm within 10 minutes before a brace from Mikel Oyarzabal and a Hassan Al-Tambakti own goal sealed a convincing win for Luis de la Fuente’s side.
After being frustrated by Cape Verde in a shock goalless stalemate in their first match, Spain were determined to reassert their attacking prowess. The return of teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, making his first start in two months after injury, helped spark an early onslaught that overwhelmed the Saudis.
Yamal opened the scoring at the back post, finishing Oyarzabal’s low cross, before Oyarzabal himself struck twice in three minutes to put Spain 3-0 ahead inside 24 minutes.
A fourth goal came early in the second half, as Marc Cucurella’s shot was parried by Saudi keeper Mohammed al-Owais only for the rebound to deflect off Al-Tambakti and into the net.
With four points from two matches, Spain now top Group H. Cape Verde will look to join them on four points when they face Uruguay in Miami later on Sunday. Coach Pedro Leitao Brito, known as Bubista, vowed his side would approach the match with courage and without fear: “We didn’t come just to take part. We want to show we can compete with the best teams in the world.”
Cape Verde’s veteran goalkeeper Vozinha, who produced a standout performance against Spain, will have extra inspiration this time, as his mother arrived in Miami to watch him play after receiving a U.S. visa—a touching moment after he revealed she was unable to attend the first game.
Elsewhere, Belgium will again be without winger Jeremy Doku due to respiratory issues as they face Iran, following a lackluster opening draw with Egypt. Iran, meanwhile, remain in contention after a 2-2 draw with New Zealand, and coach Amir Ghalenoei revealed that U.S. travel restrictions on his squad will finally be lifted for their third group game against Egypt in Seattle. Also in Group F, Egypt take on New Zealand in Vancouver.
Saturday’s action saw Germany secure their place in the knockout rounds for the first time since 2014, thanks to a dramatic injury-time winner in their 2-1 victory over Ivory Coast. Later, Curacao—World Cup debutants and the smallest nation by population ever to qualify—held Ecuador to a surprise 0-0 draw in Kansas City, guaranteeing Germany top spot in Group E with a game to spare.
In Houston, the Netherlands kept their qualification hopes alive with a 5-1 rout of Sweden in Group F. Japan drew level with the Dutch on four points after a comfortable 4-0 win over Tunisia in Monterrey, marking the 1,000th match in World Cup history.
— AFP
